Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible mining, with government officials and stakeholders calling for stronger accountability, sustainability, and community benefits from the country's mineral wealth. The commitment was made at a national stakeholder engagement meeting organized by WWF Zimbabwe in Harare, where the conservation organization also launched its Strategic Plan for …
Zimbabwe commits to responsible mining as WWF launches new strategy
Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible mining, with government officials and stakeholders calling for stronger accountability, sustainability, and community benefits from the country’s mineral wealth.
The commitment was made at a national stakeholder engagement meeting organized by WWF Zimbabwe in Harare, where the conservation organization also launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 and officially kicked off a regional project aimed at promoting responsible and inclusive value chains for energy transition minerals across Southern Africa.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Dr. Thomas Utete Wushe, said Zimbabwe would pursue mineral development in a manner that delivers economic benefits while safeguarding the environment and communities.
“Zimbabwe will not pursue growth at any cost. Our mineral wealth must translate into tangible national development, community benefit, and long-term environmental sustainability,” he said.
Dr. Wushe stressed that Environmental Impact Assessments, mine rehabilitation, and closure obligations would be strictly enforced across the mining sector.
Representing the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Chief Director Washington Zhakata emphasized the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection, noting that the success of current policies would ultimately be measured by tangible outcomes on the ground by 2030.
WWF Zimbabwe Country Coordinator Itai Chibaya warned that unchecked extraction could undermine long-term development goals, saying mineral resources must be developed without destroying ecosystems.
The meeting brought together government agencies, development partners, mining industry representatives, civil society groups, academia, communities, and the media to discuss pathways for sustainable mining and climate-resilient development.
Stakeholders pledged to strengthen partnerships, promote responsible mining practices, restore degraded landscapes, and ensure that communities, women, and youth play a meaningful role in shaping Zimbabwe’s mineral-led development agenda.
Zawya.com
